There are some trends that veer just a little too close to the blurred line between fashion and fancy dress, and this season's Western focus is one of them. That isn't to say it should be avoided; on the contrary. There are many ways to incorporate rodeo-inspired style without looking like Woody from Toy Story.
We're looking to SS18's catwalk collections for inspiration, then toning the looks down slightly for a more workwear and weekend-appropriate Western. The trick is not to wear more than two pieces at a time, or to stick to accessories if it's too out-there for you.
First up, Calvin Klein. Two-tone silky shirts were paired with matching trousers and white cowboy boots fit for Clint Eastwood. While we'll be stealing the layering style tip – wear the shirt over a rollneck – we're donning our made-for-walkin' boots with floral dresses instead.
Last summer's gingham takes on a new lease of life this season, looking less Dorothy and more Westworld at Francesca Liberatore and Marques'Almeida. Update with an oversized denim shirt and wear both over your trusty jeans until the weather heats up.
With frilled prairie dresses, dark denim, badlands-inspired bandanas, and faux-cowhide filling both high street and high end offerings this season, there's a plethora of ways to tackle the trend, from the merest of nods to all-out dosey doe.
Click through to find our favourite Western pieces.
We're styling this ruffled gingham blouse à la Ganni, with button-up denim.
Ganni Charron Blouse, £130, available at Ganni
Wear with just about anything, from kick-flare denim and floral dresses to midi skirts and tucked-in shirts.
Topshop Arizona Western Boots, £65, available at Topshop
A classic denim shirt always has a home in our wardrobe, but this J Crew piece has a touch more of the Wild West to it.
J Crew Western Denim Shirt, £105, available at Net-A-Porter
...we'll be wearing it over this printed & Other Stories dress.
& Other Stories Star Frill Dress, £69, available at & Other Stories
We guarantee this bag will outlast the trend, despite being so directional.
Prada Folk Tassel-Trimmed Embellished Leather Shoulder Bag, £2,260, available at Net-A-Porter
Wear with wide-legged trousers and cowboy boots now, and under floaty florals come summer.
Zara Checked Blouse, £29.99, available at Zara
The shirt that spawned a thousand copycats. We're hooked on that thick twill.
Calvin Klein Two-Tone Wool-Twill Shirt, £182, available at Net-A-Porter
The easiest way to tap into the trend. This belt will go with every pair you own, from black boyfriend jeans to white straight-legged.
Urban Outfitters Metal-Tipped Western Leather Belt, £28, available at Urban Outfitters
This Sacai shirt looks just as good with your workwear skirt as it does under a silk cami dress.
Sacai Western-Detail Linen-Blend Top, £735, available at Selfridges
We're wrapping this bandana neckerchief every which way – around our wrists, necks, and bag straps.
Jane Carr The Bandanas Neckerchief Poppy Printed Silk Cotton Scarf, £70, available at Jane Carr
This is the dreamiest definition of two-tone.
Wrangler x Peter Max Western Shirt With Contrast Pocket And Cuff, £180, available at ASOS
We're wearing this super sweet M.i.h dress with Converse and cowboy boots.
M.i.h Jeans Kirby Dress, £375, available at M.i.h Jeans
Tone down the drama of this jacket with mid-washed denim, a slogan tee and a baker boy cap.
ASOS Denim Jacket in Cow Print, £45, available at ASOS
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